Combined x-bay and fluoroscopic



Nov. 17, 1936. H. s. FISCHER ET Al.

COMBINED X-RAY AND FLUOROSCOPIC APPARATUS Filed Deo. 7, 195s 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 NNY Nov. 1'1, 1936. H. G. FISCHER ET Al.

COMBINED X-RAY AND FLUOROSCOPIC APPARATUS Filed Deo. 7, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 w AWN n..

Q l A@ m/emons Nov. 17, 1936. H. G. FlsczHl-:R ET AL COMBINED X-RAY AND FLUOROSCOPIC APPARATUS Filed Dec. '7, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 NNN Nov. 17,1936. H. G. FISCHER ET Al.

i COMBINED X-RAY AND FLUOROSCOPIC APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 7, 1933 Nov. 17, 1936. H. G. FISCHER ET AL. 2,050,981

COMBINED X-RAY .AND FLUOROSCOPIC APPARATUS Filed Dec. 7, 1933 6' Sheets-Sheet 5 H p l NOV. 17, 1936. H, G FlSCHER ET AL 2,060,981

COMBINED X-RAY AND FLUOROSCOPIC APPARATUSl Filed Dec. 7, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented Nov. 17, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT A OFFICE COMBINED X-RAY AND FLUOBOSCPIC APPARATUS poration o! Illinois Application December 7, i933, Serial No. '301,300

19 Claims..

'I'his invention relates in general to a combined X-ray and fluoroscopic apparatus. While the invention will hereinafter be described as embodied in an X-ray and fluoroscopic apparatus, it will readily be appreciated that it has valuable and advantageous use in other related apparatus.

A principal object of the invention is the provision of a combined X-ray and iluoroscopic apparatus which employs but a single X-ray tube which is so mounted as to be capable of adjustment to many positions in order to permit of both iiuoroscopic and radiographic examination of the entire human body when the patient occupies either a standing or a recumbent position.

Another important object of the invention is the provision of mechanism for interlocking the X-ray unit and the iiuoroscope so as to be movable in unison in one direction, and independent means for also interlocking these instrumentalities for movement in a transverse direction, thus facilitating examination of any or all portions of the subject.

A further important object of the invention is the provision of a fluoroscope which is mounted for swinging movement about a plurality of axes extending transversely to one another to permit the same to be moved to various adjusted positions for both vertical and horizontal iuoroscopic examination.

A still further important object of the invention is the provision of means for mounting the cables supplying the X-ray tube with electric current so that they cannot become twisted to such an extent as to injure the insulation thereof when the X-ray unit is turned to its several lpositions of adjustment. I

Another important object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus of the character described which may be adjustedvertically and horizontally to any desired position for use in both radiography and uoroscopy, and in which the various movable parts are provided with antifriction and counterbalancing devices so as to require little effort on the part of the operator in shifting such parts to their desired positions.

A further objectV of the invention is the provision of an apparatus of the character described, compact in construction, and in which certain parts thereof may be 'folded up so that it oc-` cupies minimum space when not in use. A still further object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus of the character described mhich is easily portable and which can be mounted on casters or the like for use in a (Ci. 25G-34i sick room or be adjustably installed on rails for use in an ofce or laboratory.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel base construction having a three point support for insuring extreme stability and rigidity notwithstanding irregularities in the iloor over which the apparatus may be moved.

A further object of the invention is the provision of novel locking devices for maintaining the apparatus in its desired adjusted position on the oor as well as the various adjustments between the several parts thereof.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of. an X-ray apparatus in which the several cables for conducting electric current thereto are provided with means for protecting the cables against the development of a surface corona and resultant breakdown of the cables adjacent their terminals, thereby eliminating all danger of sparking and resultant noise.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus of the character described which is so constructed as to'prevent an operator or other person from inadvertently receiving an electric shock by the dangerously high voltage required in the operationof such an apparatus.

Numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the following description, which, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, illustrates a preferred embodiment thereof. l

Referring to the drawings: l

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a combined X- ray and fiuoroscopic apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention, and with the several instrumentalities adjusted for upright chest radiography illustrated in full lines, and adjusted for upright chest fluoroscopy in dotted lines;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus in position for horizontal fluoroscopy;

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the apparatus adjusted for horizontal radiography;

Fig. 4 is an end elevation of the apparatus adjusted for horizontal fluoroscopy;

` Fig. 5 is an enlarged view, partly in plan and partly in section, taken substantially on line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevation of the vertically adjustable carriages for supportingthe X-ray unit and fiuoroscopic device;

i Fig. 7 is' an enlarged detail view of the mecha- `for detachably securing the rods which interlock the supports for the X-ray unit and the fluoroscopic device for horizontal movement in unison; Fig. 10 is a vertical section taken on line ill- III `of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a vertical section taken on line i I-I I .of Fig.5;

Fig. 12 is a horizontal section taken on line i2-i2 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 13 is a vertical section taken on line i2-I8 oi' Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a horizontal section taken on line I4-I4 of Fig. 3; y

Fig. 15 is a vertical section taken on line |8-i 8 ofFig. 14;.u l

Fig. 16 is an enlargedv longitudinal section through the X-ray unit;

Fig. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section through the X-ray tube support and illustrating the mechanism for supporting the current supplying cables against twisting;

Fig. 18 is a vertical longitudinal section taken on the line |8-I8 oi' Fig. 17, the current supplying cables being shown in elevation;

Fig. 19 is a vertical section taken on line I8-i8 of Fig. 17;

Fig. 20 isa vertical section taken on line of Fig. 17;

Fig. 21 is a longitudinal step section taken on line 2I-2I of Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 is a vertical section taken on line 22-22 of Fig. 18;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view on a smaller scale of the spun sleeve element for containing the sealing wax which maintains the current supplying zo-n cables immobile, as against relative twisting.

movement in the vicinity oi' the X-ray tube;

Fig. 24 is an enlarged longitudinal section taken on line 24 -24 oi Fig'. 17, showing the construction of a stress cone for eliminating stress in the vicinity of the terminals of the X-ray tube;

Fig. 25 is an enlarged longitudinal section taken on line 28-28 o! Fig. 3; and

Fig. 26 is a vertical section taken on line 28-28 o! Fig. 2.

A combined X-ray and tiuoroscopic apparatus embodying the present invention is shown in the drawings comprising an X-ray unit support having a base 2| of hollow cast construction provided with a pair of grooved rollers 22 at one side for engagement with a ilanged track rail 28 secured to the iloor, and with 'a single smooth faced roll 24 at the other side thereof for engagement with a nat track rail 28 also secured to the iloor in spaced parallel relation to the rail 28 (Fig. 4).

- The base 2l carries a pair of vertically extending;

parallel tubular standards 28 and 21 which are connected at their upper lends by a plate 28, and which, respectively, carry the X-ray unit and the tiuoroscopic device hereinafter to be described.

,Mounted on the standard 28 for vertical ad- Justment is a carriage. indicated generally at 28 in Figs. 5 and 6, which includes in its construction ahemicylindrical casting 8l having guide rings 82 secured to, its upper and lower ends, which encircle the standard 28 and-which are provided with a plurality of spaced rollers 88 for.

reduce friction when the carriage is moved. The carriage 29 is prevented fr/om rotating on the standard 28 by means ot a horizontally extending arm 84 provided on the lower guide ring 82, bifurcated at its outer end at 85, and provided with antifriction rollers 38 for engagement with the opposite sides of the standard 21. The carriage 28 may be releasably secured to the standard 28 in any adjusted position by means of a clamping screw 81 which is threaded into one arm of a semicircular member 88 which straddles the standard 28 and is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends. between ears 38 formed on the casting 8l. When,.the screw 81 is tightened the standard 28 will be engaged between this screw and the oppositely disposed arm ot the member 38, the position of the member automatically accommodating itself to the movement oi the screw by reason of its pivotal mounting. An indicator 4i is provided on the bearing oi' one of the antifriction rollers 88 and cooperates with a graduated scale 42 carried by the standard 28 to indicate the amount of movement imparted to the carriage 28 and the parts carried thereby.

Secured to the casting 29 is a bracket .48

formed with spaced upper and lower bearings 44 between which a half cylindrical guide casting 48 is pivoted for a limited amount of horizontal swinging' movement, as shown in broken lines in Fig. 5. Guide rings 48 are secured to the opposite ends of the casting 48 andare provided with anti-friction rollers 41 for engagement with a tubular longitudinally movable X-ray unit support 48 which extends horizontally through the rings 48 and guide castings 48, but in spaced relation to the latter. The bracket 48 is also `formed with an arm 48 which carries a spring pressed locking pin 8l for engagement with a notch or recess 8l' provided in the guide casting 48 in order to releasably maintain the parts in the position shown by full lines in Fig. 5. but which may be disengaged therefrom in order to swing the guide casting 48 and the parts carried thereby to the position indicated by the broken 'lines in this gure. j

The tubular support 48 is prevented from rotating axially by means of a downwardly extending arm 82 (Fig. 4), the upper end of which is 4iixed to the support 48 between the guide rings 48 and the lower end of which is biiurcated and provided with antifrictlon rollers 88 tor engagement with the opposite sides of a stationary guide bar 84 fixed at its ends to depending arms 88 carried by the guide casting 48. 'A horizontally extending rod 88 is supported at its ends in 82 (Fig. 4) and oo-operates with a graduated scale 88 carried by the guide casting 48 to indicate accurately the amount of longitudinal movement of the support 48.

Mounted on one end oi' the tubular support 48 is a protective hood or grounded shield, indicated generally at 8l, for housing the X-ray tube and the electrical connections thereto. 'Ihis hood or shieldcomprises a central cast annulus 82 having apairotopposedpressed metalendbells88 suitably secured thereto. The annulus 82 is formed with a radially disposed hub member 84 which is rotatably mounted on a bearing 65 secured to the support 48 (Figs. 5 and 16).

The hub member 64 is maintained against axial displacement from the bearing 65 by a ring 66 which is secured to the hub member 64 for engagement back of an annular iiange 61 formed on the bearing 65. 4The amount of rotative movement of the container 6| is limited by a pin 68 carried by the hub 64 for abutting engagement with stop pins 69 carried by the bearing 65. The

turning movement of the hood or shield 6i is resisted suiiiciently to maintain it in its angularly Iadjusted positions by means of a plurality oi coiled springs 1| (Fig. 21) which are disposed in recesses 1.2 formed in the hub member 64,`and

vwhich urge shoes 13 into frictional contact with the adjacent face of the bearing 65.

The shield 6I houses an X-ray tube, indicated at 14, which includes the usual glass envelope 15 provided with a leaded glass casing 16 having an opening 11 therein, and with a radiator element 18 at the anode end and an electrostatic shield 19 at the cathode end thereof. This tube is mounted on brackets 8| of insulating or other Suitable material, in operative position with respect to a window 82 provided in the annulus 62, which brackets 8| are carried by a plate 88 also of insulating material. The plate 83 in turn is mounted upon supports 84 suitably secured to the annulus 62 at a point diametrically disposed with respect to the window 82.

The end bells 63'are provided with apertures 85,at their ends (Fig. 4) to permit of the circulation of air through the shield so as to dissipate heat generated by the tube when the same is energized. A knob or handle 86 is provided on the annulus 62 by means of which the shield 6| and the X-ray tube assembly housed therein may be rotated about the axis of its support 48 for vertical or horizontal radiography or uoroscopy, as will hereinafter be described.

The cathode (not shown) oi the X-ray tube is supplied with electric current by a cable 81 containing leads 88 which emerge from the cable 81 in the vicinity ofthe tube. The exposed ends of the leads 88 are imbedded in a body of sealing wax 89 having a high melting point and contained within a cup 90 of bakelite or similar material secured to the plate 83 by means of a bakelite bolt 9|. The cable 81 comprises a central core 92 of rubber or the like, in which the leads 88 are imbedded, a covering 93 of electrically conducting tape, and an outer sheathing 94 of metallic mesh (see Fig. 24).

The anode (not shown) of the X-ray tube is supplied with electric current of high potential by a cable 81a containing a single lead 88a which emerges from the cable 81a in the vicinity of the tube. The exposed end of this lead is imbedded ln a body of sealing wax 89a contained within a bakelite cup a secured to the plate 83 by means of a bakelite bolt (not shown). 'I'he end of the lead 88a is electrically connected with a spring clip 95 which bears against the outermost n of the vradiator element 18 in radial alinement therewith. The cable 81a is .constructed similarly to the cable 81 in that it also includes a central core 92a of rubber or the like,

' m which the lead ssa. is imbedded, and outer c overings of conducting tape and metallic mesh 93a and 94a, respectively.

Before passing out of the shield 6|, the cables 81 and 81a. parallel the X-ray tube 15 for a short distance and at these points they are each provided with stress reducing cones. 96 and 96a,

respectively, to provide against corona at the points where the metallic sheathing and conducting tape terminate. each comprises a conical member 91 which is shown in Fig. 24 surrounding the core 92 of the cable 81, with its restricted end in contact with said core.

The conical member 91 is overlapped by the end of the covering 93 of the conducting tape and by the outer metallic mesh 94, both of which are in electrical contact with the member 91. The member 91, together with the overlapping ends of the tape 93, is imbedded in a body 98 of insulating material which also enters the flared end of the member 91 and effectively excludes air at this point. 'Ihis exclusion of atmospheric air from the vicinity of the ends of the sheathing 94 eliminates the formation of corona, and the elimination of corona prevents any possibility of an electrical discharge at this point. The conical member 91 is in effect a flared continuation of both the conducting tape 93 and the metallic mesh 94, and prevents abnormal voltage gradients in the cable. The gradient of the surface voltage of the cable is thus rendered approximately uniform and the noise resulting from electrical discharges and spearking at the termination of the metallic mesh is thus eliminated.

The cables 81 and 81a extend entirely through the tubular support 48 and are maintained against relative movement or twisting therein in the following manner: An inner sleeve or tube 99 is rotatably mounted within the support 18 in slightly spaced relation thereto and is xed at one end Within the hub member 64 by a set screw |0|. Secured within this end of the sleeve 99 is a relatively short spun tube |02, one end of which is flared outwardly, as indicated at |03, and having a pair of spaced segmental members |04 secured in the opposite end thereof. After the cables have been drawn through the inner sleeve or tube 99 and the spun tube |02, the latter is iilled with sealing wax, indicated at |05, having a relatively high melting point, provided for the purpose of tlrrnly gripping the cablewithdut danger of crushing the cable or otherwise injuring its insulation.

'I'he inner sleeve or tube 99, together with the cables 81 and 81a, is supported at the other end of the tubular support 48 by means of a clamping member |06 formed with a. pair of spaced segmental extensions |01. These projections extend into the end oi' the sleeve 99 and are secured thereto by screws |08 which pass through a ring |09 for threaded engagement with the extension |01. 'Ihe ring |09 is rotatably mounted .on the end of the tubular support 48 and not only maintains the adjacent end of thc sleeve 99 in spaced relation to the support 48 but also provides a bearing therefor. The end oi the inner sleeve 99 is c ut away, as indicated at to permit the cables 81 and 81a to separate suiciently to pass through a pair oi spaced openings ||2 formed in the clamping member |06.

The cables 81 and 81a, after emerging from the These stress-reducing cones clamping member |06,are protected throughout Y It will be apparent from the foregoing description that as the tube shield 2| is rotated the inner `sleeve 22, together with cables 21 and 21a, rotate in unison and in accordance with the rotation of ,X-ray shield 2|, thus eliminating any possibility secondary winding of a transformer (not shown) which is mounted in a housing ||1 carried by the base 2|. The cables are supported by a curved bracket or rod ||2 to which they are secured vby clips ||2.

The primary winding of the transformer is energized by electric current supplied through cables |2| leading to a control box |22 which in turn is connected to a suitable source of 220 volt alternating current by a cable |22. The control box |22 is provided with a line switch 22 and with various indicating instruments, including the usual ammeter, voltmeter, and controls |22, |22 and switch |21 respectively, and is pivotally mounted on the upper end of an arm |22 mounted at its lower end on thestandard 21.

I'he weight of the X-ray unit and associated movable parts is counterbalanced by a spring or counterweight (not shown), which is disposed within the standard 26 and is secured to one end of a chain |22 which extends upwardly and over a sheave' or pulley |2| Journalled in a bracket |22 carried by the plate 22 and is secured at its other end between ears'|22 provided on the casting 2|.

Mounted on the standard 21 for vertical adjustment is a carriage- (indicated generally at |22) which supports the iluoroscopic device, and includes in its construction a hemi-cylindrical casting |25, having guide rings |22 secured to its upper and lower ends which encircle the standard 21 and provided with a plurality oi spaced antifriction rollers |21 for engagement therewith (Fig. 6).

This carriage is prevented from rotating on the standard 21 by means of a horizontally extending arm |22 provided on the upper guide ring |22, and having a yoke |22 at its outer end provided with anti-friction rollers |2| for engagement with theopposite s ides of the standard 22.v The earriage |22 may be releasably sec to the standard 21 in any adjusted position y means of a clamping screw |22 which is threaded into one arm of a semi-circular member |22 straddling .the standard 21 and pivotally mounted intersupport between the guide rings |21 and the lower end of which isbifurcated and provided with anti-friction rollers |22 for engagement with the opposite sides'of a horisontal stationary guide bar |22 iixed at its ends to depending arms |22 formed on the guide casting |22 (Figs. 4 and 6).

A bracket |25 is nxed to one end of the support |22 and is formed with spaced bearings |22 which pivotally support the bifurcated end |21 of the 5 horizontalhf extending arm |22. The outer end of this arm is provided with a vertical bearing |22 in which a horizontal bearing |2| is Journalled (Fig. 2). Mounted in the bearing |2| is a stud shaft |22 (Fig. l) which carries a pair of diverg- 10 ing arms |22 terminating in bearings |22, the axes of which are in alinement and which extend at rightangles to a prolongation of the axis of the shaft |22. Journalled in the bearings |22 is a iluoroscopic device |22. embodying a frame |22 l5 provided with operating handl `|21 and IUP- porting the usual fiuoroscopic screen |22. 'lhe arm |22 carrying the iluoroscopic device |22 may be releasably secured either in the positionshowninFig. lorinthatshowninll'ig.2by 20 means of a pin |22 which is carried by the arm |22 for engagement with sockets |1| and |12, respectively, provided in the bracket |25. The purv pose of this adjustment will hereinafter be explained fully in connection with the operation of 25 the apparatus.

The weight of the flucroscopic device |22 'and associated parts is counterbalanced by a weight (not shown) which is disposed within the hollow standard 21 and which is secured to one end of a 80 chain |12 which extends upwardly and over a pulley |12 Journalled in the bracket |22 and at its other end between ears |12 provided on the casting '|22.

From the foregoing descriptionjit will beap- 35 parent that if it is desired to obtain radimphs of a patient lying in bed or on a suitable table. itisonlynecessaryto-adlustthecarriage 22and the X-ray unit 2| t0 the desired height and to rotate this unit to its horiaontalposition shown 20 in Fig. 3 and then to position the apparatus beside the bed or table with the X-ray unit overhanging the patient. In such case the sensitised plate is suitably positioned beneath the patient.

If it is desired to employ the apparatus for 25 vertical radiography. that is with the patient oc- -cupying an upright position, the x-ray unit 2| is turned through an arc of tothe position shownin full lines invFig. l, at the front, rear or side ofthe patient. and thenadlusted to the 50 thenswungtothepositionshownandlockledby means of the pin |22. lhe iluoroscopic device 20 I -liisthenl'otatedabouttheaxisof thebenrinl |22 to the vertical position shown.

When the apparatus is thus employed for flu-.- oroscopic examination, it is desirable to have the iluoroscopic screen and X-ray units move vere5 tically in unison. To this end the carriages 22 and l22 maybereleasabiyinterlockedtomove together vertically on the standards 22 and 21 when force is applied to either. This is accompiished by providing a latch |12 (Figs. 2 and 1). 7o which embodies 'a shaft |11 slidably and rotatably mounted in bearings |12 and |12 carried U! the arm 22 of the lower g'ulde ring 22 of the carriage 22. This shaft registers with agroon |2| provided in a depending stud |22 carried by the u lower guide ring |36 of the carriage |34. The shaft |11 is provided with a transversely extending pin |83 for abutting engagementiwith opposite sides of the bearing |19, which bearing is formed with a slot |84 in its upper edge correspending in Width to `that of the pin |83.

Referring to Fig. 7, if it is desired to interlock the carriages 29 and |34, the shaft |11 is rotated by means of a knurled thumb piece |85 until the pin |83 registers with the slot |84. The shaft is then slid axially into engagement with the groove |8| in the stud |82. Thereafter` the shaft is again rotated suiciently tomove the pin |83 out oi alinement with the slot |84 and to a position where it will engage the opposite side of the bearing |19 to prevent accidental displacement of the shaft |11 from the groove |8I. 'I'he above-described mechanism effectively interlocks the X- ray unit and iiuoroscopic device for vertical movement in unison.

It is also desirable to interlock these instrumentalities with regard to horizontal movement when the apparatus is employed for both horizontal and vertical iluoroscopy. This is accomplished by providing an upwardly extending arm |86 xed to the end of the support |49 opposite the fluoroscopic device |65, and formed with a tubular portion |81 in which one end of a rearwardly extending, horizontally disposed tube |88 is xed. (Figs. 2, 4 and 8). A plug |89 is xed in the opposite end of this tube and is formed with an axial bore in which a pin |'9| is slidably mounted (Fig. 9)'. Disposed within the tube |88 and surrounding the pin |9| between a washer" |92 and the inner end of plug |89, is a coiled spring |93 which yieldably urges pin |9I inwardly. Thev inward movement of this pin is limited by a cross pin |94 carried thereby for engagement with a pair of transversely extending slots |95 formed in the outer face of plug |89.`

The portion of pin |9| which projects out- Iwardly from plug |89 is provided with an eye |96 and is iiattened, as indicated at |91, for engagement with a bore |98 provided in a knob |99 xed to the upper end of a vertically extending rod 20|. When it is desired to disconnect rod 20| from tube I 88, eye |96 is grasped and the pin retracted against the action of spring |93 until cross pin |94 is disengaged from slot |95. The pin is then rotated until the flattened portion |91 is in registration with a slot 202 formed in knob |99, after which the rod 20| may be lowered from engagement with pin I 9|.

The lower end of rod 20| extends through a guide 203 iixed to the collar ||6 carried by the end of the X-ray unit support 48 and is provided with a plurality of anti-friction rollers 204. A rubber washer 205 is provided on the rod 20| between the knob |99 and the guide 203 and forms a cushioned seat for'rod 20| upon the guide 203when rod 20| is disconnected and lowered.

When the tube |88 and rod 20| are connected as above described and as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, lateral movement of the fluoroscopic device |65 will be transmitted through the support |49 and arm |86 to tube |88 and thence through the rod 20| to the X-ray supporting tube 48. It will be noted, however, that the sliding connection between the rod 20| and the support 48 aorded by the guide 203 permits the fluoroscope device |85 to be adjusted vertically without transmitting any motion to the X-ray unit when the apparatus is employed for horizontal fluoroscopy (Fig. 4), but when the apparatus is employed for vertical fiuoroscopy, the f luoroscopic device |65 with the X-ray unit 6| moving in unison therewith, may be moved freely in a lateral direction. This interlocking mechanism, together with that aiorded by the latch |16 between the carriages, results in a flexibility of movement of wide range, such as will permit or" a iluoroscopic examination of the entire human body.

The above described combined X-ray and fluoroscopic apparatus constitutes a complete and operative structure in itself, but, if desired, it may be employed in connection with an adjustable and convertible table where the conditions are such as to permit of such joint use, as for example in an office or laboratory. Such a combined and permanent installation is illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4, wherein the table is shown as comprising a hollow cast metal base 206 (Fig. 14) provided with two extensions 201 and 201a on one side and a single extension 208 on the other side intermediate its ends.

'I'he extension 201a and the extension 208 are provided with smooth rollers 209 for contact directly with the floor, and the extension 201 is provided with a grooved roller 2|| for engagement with a :flanged rail 2 I2. This rail extends parallel to the rail 23 of the X-ray and uoroscopic apparatus and is secured to the floor and also to the rail 23 by castings 2|3 Vwhich also. function as bumpers at each end of the rails. A grooved guide roller 2|4 is mounted in a housing 2|5 carried by a relatively heavy leaf spring 216 secured to the base 206. This guide roller traverses the rail 2|2 and is maintained on said rail by the leaf spring 2|6. It will be apparent from this construction that lshould either of the rollers 209 encounter a hollow or other irregular spot in the floor as the base 206 is moved longitudinally of its rail 2|2, theleai spring will urge the guide roller 2 4 toward the rail and maintain its contact therewith to insure that the base 206 travels in parallelism with the rail under all floor conditions.

The base 206 is further provided with a pair of upwardly extending side members 2|1 which are preferably cast separately from the base 206 and suitably secured thereto. The side members 211 are secured together adjacent their upper ends by a tie rod 2|8 and are formed at their upper extremities with bearings 2|9 in which are journalled trunnions 22| formed on vertically swinging guide members222 of channel construction. These guide members constitute the support for one end of a table, indicated generally at 223, which comprises a fiat wooden panel 224 having metal straps or side rails 225 secured to its longitudinal side edges. The side rails 225 are of greater depth than the panel -224 to provide clearance between the lower face of the panel and the lower flanges of the guide members 222 (Fig. 26) in which the side rails 225 of the table are mounted for longitudinal sliding movement. The opposite end of the table 223 is supported by a pair of transversely folding legs 226 which are pivotally mounted at their upper Vends in brack- ,ets 221 secured to the bottom of the table.

A Bucky diaphragm of the usual conmercial type and indicated in its entirety at 228, is mounted beneath the panel 224 for co-operation with the X-ray unit. This diaphragm comprises a sheet metal drawer 229 adapted to hold a sensitized plate, which drawer is supported by a frame or tray 23|. According to the present invention the frame 23| is provided with rollers 232 on opposite sides for engagement with a channel 233 secured to the under side of the panel 224 and the inner face of the side rails 225.

An arm 234 is hinged at one end to the under side oi' the frame 23| of the Bucky diaphragm, and is provided with a yoke 235 at its opposite end for releasable engagement with the standard 23 (Fig. 2) to prevent accidental displacement ci the Bucky diaphragm and the sensitized plate carried thereby when the apparatus is employed for radiography. When not so used the arm- 234 may be folded back to an inoperative yposition beneath the frame 23|, as shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 2. 'I'he described construction permits the Bucky diaphragm to be quickly and easily shifted longitudinally of thetable to an inoperative position when the apparatus is employed ior fiuoroscopy.

A roll oi' cloth 233, or other suitable material, is mounted at one side of the table 223 so that a strip oi' such material may be drawn across the table and over the patient to hold the patient immobile.

The table is locked in the extended position shown in Figs. 2 and 3 by means of latches, indicated generally at 231, carried by the guide members 222 for engagement with the side rails 225 of the table. These latches are of a twoposition type and each is illustrated in Fig.' 25 as embodying a stem 233 which is both slidably and rotatably mounted in a boss 230 formed on the guide member 222. The stem 233 is provided with a collar 24| at its inner end, which carries a pair of diametrically spaced pins 242 ior engagement with a pair oi' horizontally disposed spaced apertures 243 provided in the side rail 225 oi the table. The outer end of the stem 233 is formed with a squared portion 244 which slidably engages a,square opening 243 provided in a cap4 243 which is threaded onto the boss 233. The latch is urged inwardly by a coil spring 241 which surrounds the stem .233 between the collar 24| and the cap-243 and may be operated against the action of this spring by a knob or handle 243 securedto the outer end of the stem 233.

Whenit is desired to employ the apparatus for vertical radiography or fiuoroscopy, as previously described, the latches 231 are ilrst retracted to disengage the pins 242 from the apertures 243. which movement also disengages the squared portions 244 of the-stems 233 from the squared openfings 245 in the caps 243. The latches are then rotated 90 degrees or until the pins 242 assume vertical positions, whereupon they are released, permitting the squared portions 244 to reenter their squared openings 245 but displaced onequarter turn with respect to their initial positions. In this position of the latches thefinner ends of the pins 242 bear against the side rails 225 of the table and are maintained against rotary displacement. The table 223 is then slid longitudinally through the guides 222 until a second pair of aperatures 243 located near thel .transverse center line of the table and which are disposed one above the other, register with the pins 242 and are engaged thereby under the action of the spring 241.

The advantage o! the above described construction is that the latches 231 may be operated separately and then released without having them reengage their apertures. Also, they may be turned to a position from which they cannot be displaced while the table is being moved longi ,tudinally. The table 223 and the parts carried thereby are then swung upwardly about the axis oi the trunnions 22| to the position shown in full llnes'in Fig. l, and the legs 223 folded inwardly. 'The table is releasably maintained in its vertical position by a spring operated latch 25| carried by the base 2|l3 for engagement with a ilange 252 carried by the adjacent end of the table, and released by a ioot operated plunger 253.

The Bucky diaphragm 2231s supported or counterbalanced in its adjusted position when the table occupies a vertical position, by a ilexible steel strap 254, one-end ot which is secured to the trame 23| oi.' the Bucky diaphragm and the other end of which is wrapped around al spring controlled spool mechanism-255 mounted at the upper end of the table. Ii' the apparatus is to be employed for vertical iluoroscopy, the fluoroscopic device |35 and the X-ray container `3| oi' the X-ray unit are swung to the position shown by the dotted lines i'n Fig. 1, at the front and rear of the patient.

If, on the other hand, it is desired to obtain X-ray pictures of any particular portion of the patients body, the table 223, which in this case functions as a plate holder, is moved along its rail 2|2 to the position shown in full lines in Fig. 1. The unit 3| is then turned about its axis to its reverse vertical position (indicated in iull lines in Fig. l) and the entire apparatus shifted along its railL 23 to the position shown. When the apparatus is thus employed, the iluoroscopic device |35 is swung to an inoperative position out of alinement with the X-ray unit.

The base 233 o! the table 223 is locked in a desired adjusted position by a spring operated latch 253 which is slidably mounted in a guide 251 i'or releasable engagement with longitudinally spaced, recessed stops 253 located along the rail 2|2. This latchmay be retracted by a manually operated lever 233 xed to a shaft 23| Journalledin the base 233, and provided with an arm 232 for engagement with a transversely extending pin 233 carried by .the latch 233 (Fis. l5).

In a similar manner the X-ray apparatus may be locked in its longitudinilly adjustable position by means oi a latch 234 molmted in'a casing 235 carried by the base 2|. and urged downwardly by a spring 233 for engagement with any one of a series of longitudinally spaced, recessed stops 231 provided in the rail'23 (Pigs. 12 and 13). The

latch 234 is provided with a roller 233 which rides upon a segment 233 pivotally mounted in the casing 235 and provided with an operating lever 21|. The segment 233 is also provided with a depressed portion 212 having inclined sides and ilat portions 213 at each side thereof adapted tov support the roller 233 with theflatch 234 in'its retracted position. When it is desired to release the latch 234, the segment is rotated by the handle 21|' in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, indicated by the arrows in Pig. 12, which causes the cam surface of the depression 212 to elevate the latch out of engagement with the stop 231.

It is sometimes desirable to maintain the X-ray apparatus in some adjusted intermediate position where no stops have been provided in the rail. This is accomplished by a yieldable brake or drag comprising a relatively strong leaf spring 214 fastened at one end to the under side of the base 2i which carries a shoe 213 at its free end for frictional engagement with the rail 23. The spring 214 is urged downwardly in order to efiect the engagement of the shoe 213 with the rail, by means ot a pin 213 slidably mounted in the base 2| and forced downwardly by a cam surtace 211 provided on the lower face o! the segstructure and when so employed may be mounted L on suitable casters.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that a very complete and iiexible combined X-ray and iiuoroscopic apparatus is provided whichy employs but a single X-ray tube for the many de scribed purposes and one in which the several adjustments and operations may be effected quickly and easily with the greatest degree of safety to the operator and patient.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantages willbe understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the yspirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all oiits material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

We'claim:

1. In an X-ray machine, the combination of an X-ray tube, a housing for the same, a carrier for the housing, a support on which said carrier is mounted, flexible insulated conductors extending to the terminals of the X-ray tube, said conductors being supported in the carrier, and means for preventing twisting of the flexible insulated conductors relatively to each other and to the carrier in the interior of the same.

2. In an X-ray machine, an X-ray tube, a supporting member upon which said tube is rotatably mounted, iiexible insulated conductors extending through said supporting member to said tube, and means for maintaining said flexible conductors within said supporting member in predetermined relation to each other during rotation of said tube` relative to said supporting member.

3. In an Xf-ray machine, the combination of an X-ray tube, a housing for the same, a tubular carrier for said housing, the housing being rotatably adjustable relatively to said carrier, ilexible insulated conductors for the X-ray tube extending through said carrier into the housing and to the terminals of the tube mounted therein, and means for forcibly imparting rotation to said conductors `at both ends of the carrier upon rotary adjustment of the housing relatively to the carrier.

, 4. In an X-ray machine, the combination of an X-ray tube, a housing for the same, a straight tubular carrier for the housing, a support on which said carrier is vertically and horizontally adjustable while being held against rotation about its axis, the housing and tube carried thereby being rotatable relatively to the carrier, ilexible insulated 'conductors located in the carrier and ex-` tending into terminals of the tube in the housing, a guide tube for said conductors in the interior oi.' the carrier, means for securing said conductors relatively to the guide tube, and means for iixedly connecting said guide tube to said housing, where by upon rotation of said housing, said guide tube and said conductors over their entire length supported in the carrier are rotated about the axis of the carrier without being 'twisted relatively to each other.

5. In an X-ray machine, the combination of an X-ray tube, a housing for the same, a carrier for the housing, a support on which said carrier i's adjustably mounted, iiexible insulated conductors .supported in said carrier and extending into the housing to the terminals of the tube, a guide tube rotatably secured within the carrier and supporting the insulated conductors, and means for xedly connecting the guidetube to the housing, the housing being rotatable relatively to the earrier, said conductors being secured to the guide tube at the two ends thereof, while the intermediate length of the conductors is unsupported within said guide tube.

6. Inan X-ray machine, the combination of an X-ray tube, a housing for the same, a carrier for the housing, a support on which said carrier is adjustably mounted, the housing being rotatable" relatively to the carrier, iiexible insulated conductors extending through said carrier into the housing to the terminals of the tube, and means., connected with the housing for maintaining said flexible conductors within the carrier in predetermined relation to each other.

7. In an X-ray machine, the combination of an X-ray tube, a housing for the same, a carrier on which said housing is rotatably mounted, a support on which said carrier is adjustable, flexible insulated cables extending through said carrier into the housing to the terminals of the tube, a guide tube iixedly connected with the housing and extending through\ said carrier, said guide tube having in its interior section elements confined by a chord and the circumference of the tube for maintaining the cables within the tube in predetermined relation to each other.

8. In an X-ray machine, the combination of an X-ray tube, a housing for the same, a tubular carrier on which said housing is rotatably mounted, a support on which said carrier is adjustable, insulated conductors extending through said car- -rier into \,the housing and to the terminals of the tube, a guide tube ilxedly connected with the housing and extending through the carrier, means lwithin said guide tube for maintaining the coni, X-ray tube, a housing for the same, a tubular carrier on which said housing is rotatably mounted, a guide tube xedly connected to the housing and disposed within the carrier and projecting therefrom, insulated conductors extending through said guide tube, means for maintaining the insulated conductors spaced from each other inserted in the projecting end of the guide tube, and means for holding said spacing means against axial displacement relatively to the carrier.

l0. In an X-ray machine, the combination of an X-ray tube, a housing for the same, a carrier on which said housing is rotatably mounted, a support on which said carrier is adjustably located and secured against rotation about its axis, exible insulated conductors extending through the carrier into the interior of the housing and to the terminals of the tube, and means for guiding said flexible insulated conductors exteriorly of the carrier to prevent them from twisting when said housing is rotated relative to said carrier. 11. In an X-ray machine, the combination of an X-ray tube, flexible insulated conductors extending to the terminals of the tube, and stress reducing sheet metal cones surrounding the insulation of said conductors adjacent the termibody of insulating material.

12. In an X-ray machine, the combination of an X-ray tube, ilexible insulated conductors extending to the terminals of the tubejstress reducing metal cones surrounding the insulation of the conductors adjacent the terminals, and flexible metal reinforcements surrounding said cones, said cones and reinforcements being imbedded in a body of insulating material.

13. In an X-ray machine, the combination of an X-ray tube, flexible insulated conductors extending to the terminals of the tube, stress reducing metal cones surrounding, the insulation of said conductors adjacentthe tube, a tape of conductive material wound about said cones, and exible metal reinforcement applied over the conductive tape of the cones, said cones, tape and metal re` inforcement being imbedded in insulating material.

14. In an X-ray machine, the combination of an X-ray tube, ilexible insulated conductors extending to the terminals of the tube, stress reducing metal cones surrounding the insulation of said conductors adjacent the terminalsand ilaring in a direction away from said conductors, and means for preventing the entry ot air into said cones about said insulation. y

15. In an X-ray machine, the combination of an X-ray tube, a housing ior the same, a carrier on which said housing is rotatably mounted, the housing comprising an annular member having means for rotatable attachment to the carrier and also being provided with an exposure window in angular relation to said attachment means, and cylinders secured to said annular member at both sides of the same.`

16. In an X-ray machine, the combination oi' an X-ray tube, a housing for said tube, a vertical supporting structure, a bracket slidable on said vertical structure, and a carrier for said housing,

said carrier being slidable transversely to said supporting structure in the bracket and being oscillatable about a pivot pin on the bracket regardless of its longitudinal adjustment relatively to the bracket.

17. In an X-ray machine, an X-ray tube, a iluoroscopic screen, means for supporting said tube and said screen and normally permitting relative movement therebetween, and locking means for interconnecting said tube and screen to prevent relative horizontal movement while permitting relative vertical movement therebetween.

18. In an'X-ray machine having a support, an X-ray tube mounted on said support, and a table movable relative to said support; a member movably mounted on said table, and means for locking said member to said support, said means permitting movement oi' said table relative to said sup- 19. In an X-ray machine having a track structure adapted to be placed on a iioor, a table adjustable longitudinally of said track structure, a support, and an X-ray tube adjustably mounted on said support; a member mounted on said table for movement longitudinally relative'thereto, and means for locking said member to said support, the locking means being independent of the adjustment of the table longitudinally ot the track.

HERMAN G. FISCHER. PETER P. MUSKET. HOWARD H. OSBORN. 

